A Foodie’s Weekend in Columbus, Indiana
Come hungry. Columbus is ready to surprise you.
Though Columbus is known around the world for architecture and design, Columbus also has a food scene worth building a weekend around. Local chefs, neighborhood favorites, craft breweries, coffee shops, and one-of-a-kind dining experiences make it easy to spend a couple of days eating your way through the city.
From dinner downtown to a leisurely Sunday brunch, here’s a foodie-friendly itinerary for 48 delicious hours in Columbus, Indiana.
Friday Night: Start Downtown
Drinks: Raise a Glass at The St. Denis
Ease into the weekend with a drink at The St. Denis, a wine bar and curiosity shop in the heart of downtown. Browse while you sip, share a charcuterie board, and settle into a space that feels a little unexpected.
It’s an easy first stop before dinner, and because it’s downtown, you're just steps away from your next destination.
Dinner: Henry Social Club
For your first dinner, make a reservation at Henry Social Club. The downtown restaurant pairs seasonally inspired New American dishes with an open kitchen, inventive cocktails, and a carefully curated wine list.
This is the kind of meal worth slowing down for, so order something you haven't tried before, share a few plates, and make your first night in Columbus an occasion.
Still have room?
Walk down Washington Street to Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor and Museum for an old-fashioned sundae or soda surrounded by more than a century of history.
Saturday: Make a Day of It
Morning: Coffee + Breakfast Downtown
Start Saturday with coffee and breakfast at one of Columbus’ locally loved cafés.
For a cozy, neighborhood feel, head to Gramz Bakery & Café, where you can settle in with coffee, breakfast, and something sweet from the bakery case. It’s the kind of place made for a slower morning before heading out to explore.
Or, pair your morning coffee with a little Columbus architecture at Lucabe Coffee Co. at the Bank. Located inside a former Irwin Union Bank branch, Lucabe combines handcrafted coffee and breakfast favorites with a distinctly Columbus setting.
Foodie Tip
Both are great choices. Choose Gramz for a relaxed café experience, or Lucabe if you want to work a little architecture into your morning.
Lunch: Pizza + a Columbus Brew
By lunchtime, head to a Columbus classic: ZwanzigZ Pizza & Brewing.
Fresh-made pizza and locally brewed beer have made ZwanzigZ a longtime favorite, and the brewery has grown into one of the city’s most recognizable local food and drink experiences. Try one of the specialty pizzas alongside a flight of Columbus-brewed beer or grab one of their house-made craft sodas.
Afternoon: Pick Your Pour
Give yourself a little time between meals and explore Columbus’ local beverage scene.
Grab a pint at Hog Molly Brewing Co., explore the beer-focused ZwanzigZ Tap Room, sip beside the river at Upland Pump House, or head into the countryside to 450 North Brewing Company and Simmons Winery. There, you’ll find beer, wine, spirits, food, and plenty of room to settle in and enjoy the afternoon.
Prefer an Alcohol-Free Sip?
For something fresh and alcohol-free, stop by The Nifty Beet for cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and wellness-focused drinks, or visit Nutri Bee for fresh juices and other nourishing options.
There’s no need to squeeze them all into one trip. Pick the stop that fits your taste and save the others for your next visit.
Evening: Dinner at The Church
Then comes one of the signature meals of the weekend.
Head south of downtown to The Property for dinner at The Church, an elevated, reservation-only restaurant housed inside a restored historic church. The concept blends refined service and classic steakhouse traditions with a setting designed to make dinner itself feel like an experience.
For a foodie getaway, this is the kind of meal that goes beyond what’s on the plate. The food, setting, architecture, and story all come together to create a memorable end to the day.
Foodie Tip
Reservations are required and often book to capacity. Reserve you spot early! Give yourself time to enjoy The Property before settling in for dinner.
Sunday: One More Taste of Columbus
Morning: Brunch Your Way
There is no reason to leave Columbus hungry.
Spend Sunday morning lingering over brunch at one of the city’s locally loved breakfast spots. Le Fernández Café offers everything from crepes and omelets to huevos rancheros, pastries, and espresso drinks. Columbus has plenty of other breakfast options for travelers who prefer pancakes, classic diner fare, or a leisurely weekend brunch.
Choose the experience that fits your morning
For something fresh + brunchy: Le Fernández Café
For a uniquely Columbus setting: Blackerby’s Hangar 5 at the airport
Looking for even more options? Explore our full Best Breakfast & Brunch Spots guide.
Come Hungry. Stay Awhile.
A foodie weekend in Columbus isn't about checking restaurants off a list. It's about discovering a city through the people and places behind its food, from longtime local favorites and craft breweries to creative chefs and entirely new dining destinations.
Make a reservation, bring your appetite, and give yourself plenty of time to savor Columbus.
